A city in Saskatchewan is holding a contest to see who has the best display of lights and bring some Christmas cheer amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recreation Manager Shannon Marshall said the City of Melfort wanted to acknowledge the effort and efforts residents make to decorate their homes.
“We thought it was a great way to recognize people and cheerleaders who want to lift their spirits and instill Christmas cheer, not just in themselves, but in their neighbors and surrounding communities,” he said.
“I know that people feel pandemic fatigue. I mean, this is the second year we’ve done the same old song and dance.
“I think people are getting a little tired, but that’s okay. We will continue to push for that Christmas cheer. We know it exists, so we will continue to drive positivity no matter what. “
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This is the second annual “holiday lights contest” after the success achieved in 2020.
“Last year, we thought, ‘Hey, if we have 20 nominated houses, we’ll be doing great. That’s not bad for a community of 6,000, ‘”Marshall said.
“And by the deadline, we ended up having over 100 homes registered (last year).”
“Let’s get, like, 125 (in 2021) … Let’s get out a little more, a little more interactive.”
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According to Marshall, the contest seems to awaken a competitive character in some decorators.
“I remember last year someone emailed me and said, ‘Okay, I went looking for lights for a light show for your contest and… they were sold out everywhere,’” Marshall said.
“I would definitely say that people get very involved.”
“Some of the people who competed and won last year … I’ve seen rumors on social media that they are looking to improve their exhibits for this year.”
Here’s an entry from the Melfort City Christmas Lights Contest.
Shannon Marshall / Supplied
Once again, the city is putting together online and print maps for people to take a “brilliant tour” and experience the exhibits on the same night as a community.
“The whole community came out and enjoyed our light displays, and we also had a very good response and participation. We were very impressed, ”said Marshall.
“It is something that reiterates positive energy and with COVID and everything canceled or altered or somehow changed in some way, this is something we can do.
“I kept making people bump into me and say, ‘Oh, this is so amazing because I can see so many people around the city, but this is a great activity because even in the vehicle, you can stay inside the bubbles of your home. ‘”
Contest nominations can be submitted by emailing [email protected] or by calling 306-752-7200 prior to December 17th.
“You can nominate your home or you can nominate a neighbor’s home or a home that you think is beautifully decorated. You don’t even have to know who it is, ”Marshall said.
“The scintillating tour and the deadline (for nominations) is December 17, and then the winners will be announced on December 20. The… three awards are purchased at local businesses here in town. So it’s also a very good response to the community. “
Two of the winners are selected in conjunction with the non-profit organization Communities in Bloom, while the third is decided by voting during the tour.
“We are looking forward to seeing you on December 17th and seeing a lot of great decorated homes downtown,” Marshall said.
“Something joyous for the whole community, because we could all use a little extra joy for the second pandemic Christmas.”
Melfort is approximately 100 miles northeast of Saskatoon.
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